Gingerbread House exhibit showcases many talents

Thursday

Nov 30, 2017 at 7:07 PMNov 30, 2017 at 7:13 PM

By Suzanne Laurent news@seacoastonline.com

PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Historical Society celebrates Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth with a kickoff party from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, when visitors will have the first look at the popular 27th annual Gingerbread House Contest exhibit at Discover Portsmouth.

Created by local businesses, artists, families and kids, the gingerbread houses are nestled into a winter wonderland surrounded by large format photographs. David J. Murray’s images of Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth and photographs of trains in New Hampshire winters by Andy Dolph grace the walls of the first floor gallery.

Three judges viewed the houses and cast their votes Thursday. The first-, second- and third-place winners and an honorable mention will be announced at 6 p.m. during Friday’s kickoff event.

“We had about 105 entries, said Robin Albert, Welcome Center coordinator at Discover Portsmouth. “They came from many different towns along the Seacoast and other towns such as Windham.”

Albert said last year’s show had three North Church entries, but this year, there were none.

“But, we have the John Paul Jones House, the Moffatt Ladd House, Cutts Mansion and Temple Israel, in honor of Rabbi David Senter,” she said.

There are also displays of many local landmarks such as The Music Hall, Fort Constitution, the Ice House and Yoken’s.

This year’s judges were assistant Mayor-elect Cliff Lazenby, James Brewer of Kennebunk Savings Bank and lawyer Josh Wyatt of Devine Millimet. Kennebunk Savings and Devine Millimet are this year’s sponsors of the event. Entries were made for one of four categories: business/nonprofit, adults, family and youth/youth groups.

Wyatt was judging the houses during the Portsmouth Herald’s preview visit Thursday.

“I’m especially impressed by the youth entries this year,” he said. “It’s unbelievable how much time and creative effort people put into this.”

Wyatt pointed out the Ice House, entered in the Adult category. “Look at the roof made of sunflower seeds,” he said.

There are some comical entries such as one titled, “Cindy Lou Who Gets an iPhone.” She has it dialed to 911 as she calls in about the Grinch pulling her Christmas tree up the chimney.

Another had a Santa in a jail cell charged with a sign reading, “Arrested for Breaking & Entering.”

Keep an eye out for the “Gingerbread Council,” with members of the current City Council on the dais at a meeting.

“I think this is just fantastic,” Kathleen Soldati, executive director of the Portsmouth Historical Society, said of the show. “It’s so sweet and completely transforms the space.”

New this year, entrants were asked if they would like to donate their house for a raffle with proceeds to benefit the Portsmouth Historical Society.

“A committee chose four of the houses to be raffled off,” Albert said.

Exhibit visitors can vote for the People’s Choice awards in four categories: Best of Show, Most Creative, Most Seacoast Spirit and Best Youth/Youth Group. The People’s Choice award winners will be announced on Facebook live, at noon Monday, Dec. 18.

The exhibit can be seen from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Dec. 23, with extended hours until 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Discover Portsmouth is at 10 Middle St. For information, call 436-8433 or visit PortsmouthHistory.org.

For information about Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth, visit http://vintagechristmasnh.org.